Geese and ducks are both members of the waterfowl bird family Anatidae. They can grow to sizes much higher than their wild, undomesticated counterparts, which usually only reach 9 pounds at maximum.įarm-raised geese have long, slender necks, making them very distinguishable from ducks who tend to have rather short, thick necks in comparison. ( source)ĭomesticated geese are mostly white and sometimes grey, weighing up to 22 pounds in captivity. You may be surprised to learn that geese are historically the poultry species that were first domesticated over 6,000 years ago. No, domesticated geese originate from the greylag goose and the swan goose, both members of the domesticated Anser genus of true geese. ( source) Are domesticated geese actually ducks? Their colloquial names have not changed, causing some of the confusion between true geese and these more duck-like birds that were formerly considered to be geese. The Cape Barren goose, Orinoco goose, Egyptian goose and sheldgeese were previously classified as geese, hence their names, however, they are all now members of a separate shelduck subfamily. This can really cause a great deal of confusion. It is important to know that there are a few birds that have names that include the term ‘goose’, but they are not considered to be true geese anymore. Why do some other birds, not true geese, have ‘goose’ in their name? Geese will often migrate together with their mates during season changes and raise their baby goslings alongside one another. This means that they only have one mating partner at a time, sometimes even for their entire lifetime. Geese also are monogamous animals when it comes to breeding. True geese like these birds are herbivores, animals that eat mostly plants and foliage instead of fish or other meats. Some of the specific geese included in these genera are the undomesticated Canada goose, barnacle goose, greylag goose, white-fronted goose, snow goose, Brent goose, and the Hawaiian nene goose. The true goose genera, the main taxonomic category ranking, includes the Anser, Chen and Branta genus. Geese are members of the Anatidae family of waterfowl birds. If true geese are not ducks, what are they? Easy ways tell if a bird is a goose or a duck.Geese vs Ducks: Differences and Similarities.Why do some other birds, not true geese, have ‘goose’ in their name?.If true geese are not ducks, what are they?.Today the geese are a popular game bird, and some management concerns center on keeping populations in check because of their detrimental effect on crops. The birds were guarded by law and even reintroduced in some areas where their numbers had become low. Population RecoveryĬanada goose populations represent a successful wildlife protection program that revived dwindling numbers in the beginning of the 20th century. These noisy groups honk their way along established paths that include designated “rest stops.” These social birds remain in flocks year-round, except while nesting. When the birds do migrate, they form impressive and aerodynamic “V-formations.” They can cover 1,500 miles in just 24 hours with a favorable wind, but typically travel at a much more leisurely rate. Just 50 geese can produce two and a half tons of excrement in a year. In some areas, such as airports, they are so numerous that they are considered a nuisance. Other Canada geese have become permanent residents of parks, golf courses, suburban subdevelopments, and other human habitats across much of North America. This cycle endures, but some northern populations have shortened their flight to traditional wintering grounds in the southern U.S. Typically, the birds summered in northern North America and flew south when cold weather arrived. Because of changing weather, settlement, and farming patterns, many Canada (not “Canadian”) geese have begun to alter their migrations. Adaptations to Changing EnvironmentsĬanada geese are adaptable to many habitats and may thrive wherever grasses, grains, or berries are available. state and Canadian province at one time of the year or another. The ubiquitous Canada goose is one of the best known birds in North America.
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